Convertible bed construction



A ril 19, 1966 R. H. OSBORNE CONVERTIBLE BED CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 16, 1963 J W; M M M 4rrae /gys IN VENTOR. 44 A. 050N 9&4,

April 19, 1966 R. H. OSBORNE 3,246,343

CONVERTIBLE BED CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 16, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR R. H. OSBORNE CONVERTIBLE BED CONSTRUCTION April 19, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 16, 1965 INVENTOR @449 H 0:50am; a'

477'oeA/6's 5 United States Patent 3,246,348 CONVERTIBLE BED CUNSTRUC'IION Ralph H. Osborne, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, Calif' Filed Sept. 16, 1963, Ser. No. 309,013 13 Claims. (Cl. -32) The present invention relates to dual purpose furniture capable of functioning both as a chair or sofa, and as a bed, and more particularly to an improved convertible bed construction for dual purpose furniture.

The various design of commercially available convertible beds possess certain common disadvantages. For example, the prior convertible bed constructions are complex in the design of the linkages employed therein and require an expensive heavy frame construction to which the linkage is connected at many points.

Further, prior convertible bed constructions typically require massive heavy framework for the back and sides and therefore occupy excessive floor space when folded or unfolded, particularly when used in hotels, motels or other small rooms where space is at a premium.

Some convertible bed constructions are so strongly spring biased as to literally fly open or shut after an initial lifting. The rapid forceful action of such constructions has on many occasions resulted in injury to the person of an unwary operator.

Moreover, in commercially available convertible bed constructions, the bedding covering the mattress supported by the bed construction contacts the movable linkage members and joints of the bed construction in such a way that movement of the bed construction causes the bedding to "be torn or soiled.

The foregoing disadvantages, and others, are eliminated or minimized by the present invention which further has for a general object the provision of a simplified, safer and more efiicient convertible bed.

It is another object of this invention to provide a convertible bed construction which may be safely opened and closed with a minimum of effort, even by children or the aged.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a convertible bed construction which provides rigid and sturdy support when unfolded for use as a bed even though a relatively light framework is employed.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a convertible bed construction which is comfortably upholstered but has a relatively light frame occupying a minimum of floor space when folded to form a chair or sofa and when unfolded to form a full length bed.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a convertible bed construction which is easily foldable and unfold able without binding or tearing the bedding extending over the mattress of the bed construction.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved linkage system for foldable beds having fewer points of connection to the supporting frame thus simplifying both the frame and linkage construction.

The invention also provides a bed spring and linkage assembly which can be purchased and installed by an upholsterer of ordinary skill in the art without difficulty in properly locating the points of connection of the linkage to the frame.

The above, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of one form of convertible bed in which the invention can be embodied, when considered with the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective representation of a lounge chair, including the convertible bed construction of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a partial perspective representation of 3,246,348 Patented Apr. 19, 1966 a linkage assembly that is part of a linkage system for folding and unfolding the bed spring, portions being cut away to reveal interior details;

FIGURE 3 is a partially sectional top view of the bed construction of the chair illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal cross-section of the convertible bed construction illustrated in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 4a is a sectional view along the line 4a4a of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the convertible bed in a partially closed condition;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a spring-biased support member for the convertible bed;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIGURE 3 illustrating the linkage assembly of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the linkage arrangement represented in FIGURE 7 illustrating the relative movement of the various elements of the linkage arrangement as the bed construction is folded;

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view along the line 99 of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 7.

In general, the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an upholstered framework 10, without a rear wall, and a bed spring assembly desig nated generally by the numeral 11. This spring assembly includes three articulated sections longitudinally foldable about two lateral axes. An outer section 12, and an inner section 13 are both frames made preferably from tube stock formed into a U-shape, while the framework for the intermediate section of the bed spring assembly comprises a pair of linkage assemblies 14 and 15, one being substantially a mirror image of the other linkage assembly. The linkages 14 and 15 of the intermediate section have coaxial pivotal connections at one end of the linkage, to opposite sides of the upholstered framework 10, on a fixed axis indicated at 16 substantially parallel to the lateral folding axes for the spring assembly. The only other connection of the bed spring assembly 11 to the framework 10 is through the medium of a pair of support arms 17, one for each side of the assembly. Each of these support arms is interconnected between the inner section 13 and a pivot axis 18 secured on the frame 10. Thus, upon installation of a spring assembly 11 in a suitable framework, such as the framework 10, the only points which must be accurately located are the pivot axes 16 and 18 and it is a simple matter to locate the axis 18 once the bed spring assembly has been mounted in place on the axis 16.

A mattress 19, preferably of the synthetic foam type, is tied or otherwise secured to one side of the bed spring assembly 11 so as to unfold and fold with the bed spring assembly and is exposed for sleeping purposes when the spring assembly is unfolded to the horizontal flat configuration shown in FIGURE 4. When the bed spring assembly 11 is folded to .a generally U-shaped configuration (as shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 5), the mattress 19 is folded along with the assembly and is concealed within the chair as shown in FIGURE 5. When the bed spring assembly 11 is in the folded or U- shaped configuration, the rear of the chair is defined by a panel 20 secured to the rear of the inner member 13 and by a bolster frame 21 secured to the then rearwardly pointing end of the outer member 12. As is shown in FIGURE 1, a bolster 22 and seat cushion 23 are placed against the bolster frame 21 and on top of the outer section 12, respectively, to define a sea-t and may be removed when it is desired to unfold the chair to convert it to a bed.

More particularly, the framework 10 comprises a pair of bottom rails 25 rigidly interconnected at their front ends by a front panel 26. Near their rear ends, the bottom rails 25 are interconnected by another rail 27 thus defining a rectangular rigid base frame for the chair, which frame is supported in slightly spaced relation to the floor on which it rests by four legs 28. The framing for the arms of the chair completes the framework and is generally conventional comprising for each arm, a rear vertically extending post 29, a front post 30, and a top rail 31 rigidly interconnecting the upper ends of the front and rear posts. This framework 10 is covered in a conventional manner as shown for example in FIGURE 4a, comprising a rigidly backed layer of padding 32, where appropriate, that is in turn covered by an upholstery fabric 33. It will, of course, be understood that framing details are not a part of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the completed framework 10 does not have any rear wall and has only an abbreviated front wall represented by the front panel 26, the framework 10 thus essentially comprising a rectangular rigid open base frame surmounted by the arm rests.

In order to mount the bed spring assembly 11 within the framework 10, a pair of bearing supports, as for example, a pair of blocks of wood 35, are mounted, one at each arm, against the corresponding front post 30. A hole is bored in each of these bearing support blocks 35, the holes being arranged in coaxial alignment with one another to define the previously mentioned pivot axis 16. This hole is provided with a counterbore 36 at its outer end and a T-nut 37 is driven into the floor of the counterbore coaxially with the bore through the block 35. This T-nut threadedly engages the outer end of a flat headed bolt 38 that is passed through the bore in the block 35, and a lock nut 39 is then secured to the outermost end of the bolt 38.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that the linkage assembly 14 includes a generally channel-shaped member 40 having opposite side walls 41 and 42. The sidewall of the channel 40 adjacent the armrest, in this case the sidewall 41, is longer than the other sidewall 42, so providing a longitudinal extension 43. At its extremity, the extension 43 is formed with a countersunk hole 44, as shown in FIGURE 4a, which seats the countersink he-ad of the flathead bolt 38. A washer 45 is interposed between the extension 43 of the fabric and padding on top of the adjacent support block 35, whereby the linkage assembly 14 is spaced away from the fabric so that during folding and unfolding of the bed spring assembly 11, no rubbing of the mechanism against the fabric will occur. It will, of course, be understood that a mirror image arrangement is provided for the other linkage assembly on the other side of the chair.

The U-shaped configuration for the tubular members 12 and 13 of the inner and outer sections of the bedspring assembly 11 is shown in FIGURE 3 and the manner of connection of both legs of both of these U- shaped members is seen in FIGURE 2, in connection with the linkage system 14. The details of the connection between one leg of the U-shaped member 12 to one end of the linkage system 14 is best seen in FIGURE 9 and is a mirror image of the corresponding connection between the other leg of the member 12 with the other linkage system 15. Similarly, the interconnection of one leg of the other U-shaped member 13 with the other end of the linkage system 14 is best seen in FIGURE 10 and is a mirror image of the connection of the other leg of the U-shaped member 13 to the other linkage system 15. Accordingly, only the specific inter-connections shown in FIGURE 2 will be described in detail, it being understood that this is typical of the inter-connections with the linkage system 15.

Referring to FIGURE 2, legs of the members 12 and 13 and the channel 40 are shown in the horizontally aligned positions which they occupy when the chair is unfolded and is converted to a bed. It will be observed that the web of the channel 40 has been relieved at its opposite ends leaving the side walls 41 and 42 extending longitudinally in both directions beyond the web of the channel. This relief of the channel of the web 40 provides clearance for the legs of the member 12 and 13 to swing through arcs of substantially relative to the channel 40.

The axes for the pivotal connections of the U-shaped members 12 and 13 to the linkage assembly 40 are located outwardly beyond opposite ends of the webportion of the channel 40, in the aforementioned clearance spaces. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 9, a bolt 49 is journalled in a pair of coaxial holes towards one end of the channel 40 that are formed in the opposite sidewalls 41 and 42. This bolt has a flat countersink head that is received in a countersink 50 for the hole formed in the sidewall 41 so as to provide clearance between the bolt head and the adjacent upholstered framework 10. The other end of the bolt protrudes through the opposite sidewall 42 and is held in place by a nut 51 on top of a washer 52 that bears against the outside of the sidewall 42.

At the other end of the channel 40, the corresponding end of the tubular U-shaped member 13 is pivotally connected to the linkage assembly by a similar arrangement, comprising a bolt 53 with a flush type countersink head that is also seated in a countersink 54 of the sidewall 41 adjacent the framework, the bolt passing through aligned bores of the end of the leg of the U- shaped member 13 and the side Walls of the channel, and held in place by another nut 55 and washer 56.

From an examination of FIGURES 4 and 5, it will 'become apparent that the U-ShQlPCd members 111 and 13, and pair of linkage assemblies 14 and 15, comprise portions of a linkage system that also includes the support arms 17 and this linkage system is adapted to transform the bed spring assembly 11 from the horizontal configuration of FIGURE 4 to the substantially U-shaped configuration shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 5. Thus, assuming the bed spring assembly to be in the folded or U-shaped configuration of FIGURE 5, the bolster frame 21 is grasped to lift the outer Uashaped member '12 into a vertical position, into alignment with the then vertically dis/posed linkage assembly 14. The extreme end of the leg of the U-shaped member 12 then comes into en-ga-ge ment with the web of the channel 40 whereby the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 are urged into clockwise movement about the pivot axis 16. This clockwise movement of the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 effects rearward movement of the inner U-shaped member 13. The swingable and of each support arm 17 is pivotally connected to the midportion or approximately the midportion of one of the arms of U-shaped member 13 by suitable bolt-nut means 58, for example, whereby the inner section 13 is constrained by the pair of support arms 17 to move upwardly and rea-rwardly into the horizontal position shown in FIGURE 4.

When the bed spring assembly 11 is in the horizontal configuration of FIGURE 4 and it is desired to fold it, the bolster frame '21 is grasped and lifted through an arc of substantially 90. During this phase, the inner U-shaped member 13 and the pair of linkage assemblies 14 and 15 continue to be supported in horizontal position, until the outer member 11 is disposed vertically at which time the legs thereof engage the corresponding ends 47 of the webof the channel 40 of both link-age assemblies. Further closing movement of the bolster frame 2 1 and outer section 11 then drives the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 into counterclockwise movement about the axes 16, as indicated in FIGURE 8, effectin movement of the inner section or U-shaped member 13 downwardly and forwardly to come to rest in the fully closed position represented in dotted outline in FIG- URE 5.

It will be observed that the bolster frame 21 not only serves its conventional purpose of providing a backrest when the chair is in closed position, but also serves as a support to maintain one end of the bed spring assembly in the horizontal configuration of FIGURE 4. This bolster frame is secured to the swingable end of the outer U- shaped member 12 by a pair of brackets 60 welded to member 12 and secured by screws 61 or other suitable fastening means to the bolster frame 21. As is now apparent, the height of the bolster framework 21 above the member 12 should be such that when the bolster framework is inverted it will support that end of the bed spring assembly at the proper height. Additionally, as is shown in FIGURE 4, the bolster frame 21 preferably extends to the opposite side of the member 12 a sufficient distance for holding that end of the mattress 19 against displacement longitudinally of the bed spring assembly l l.

The panel 20 is also secured to the inner member 13 by another pair of brackets 61 welded to the end of the member 1 3 and secured to the panel 20 by screws 63 or other suitable fastening means. Once again, it is preferable that the panel 20 extends sufiiciently above the inner member 1 3 to hold that end of the mattress 19 against displacement longitudinally of the bed spring assembly 11.

It will be appreciated that the presence of the mattress 19 may provide a significant resistance to opening and closing movement of the convertible bed. However, the length of the outer section 12 provides a sufiicient mechanical advantage for actuating or converting the bed and, particularly, for closing it. Upon opening the bed, the leverage afforded by the length of the outer member 12 is aided by a spring biasing arrangement for the support arms 17, which spring means also insure forcing of the inner section 13 into fully horizontal position. Addition-ally, the spring biasing means insure that the support members 17 assume a fully vertical position to provide the best columnar support when the weight of the sleeper is imposed on the bed spring assembly 11. Additionally, a pair of brace members 65, that are actuatcd by the linkage assemblies 14 and 15, are provided at the pivotal interconnections of the inner sections 16 and the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 to further insure against any collapse of the horizontally disposed bed spring assembly 11. Thus, the bed spring assembly 111, when in sleeping condition is firmly supported against collapse by the pair of support arms 17, the pair of brace members 65, the pair of bolts 38 on the axis 16, and the inverted bolster frame 21.

The details of the spring assist for the support arm 17 are shown in FIGURE 6, it being understood, or? course, that the spring assist may be provided for either or both of the support arms. Thus, a corner bracket 66 is secured in the corner defined by the post 29 and bottom rail 25 by suitable fasteners 67. This bracket is formed with a pair of opposed flanges 68 having coaxial bores receiving a bolt 69. An elongated tubular spacer 70 coax-ially surrounds the shank of the bolt 69 and has one end extending through and journalled in the flange 68 adjacent the support arm 17 and bearing against one side of the support arm. The support arm is, of course, formed with a bore, not shown, of a size to pivotally mount the bolt 69 but not admit the spacer 70 and a nut 71 is provided to maintain the parts in assembled relationship. A torsion spring 72 is wrapped around the spacer 70 and is formed with an arm 73 bearing against one edge of the support arm 17 to bias it in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 6. While the torsion spring 72 is of suflicient strength to insure that the support arm 17 assumes vertical position, it may nevertheless be easily overcome for closing the chair because of the mechanical advantage afforded by the length of the outer section 12.

The pair of braces 65, in addition to providing firm support for the bed spring assembly 11 in horizontal condition, also aid in opening and closing the bed by more efliciently utilizing the leverage provided by the length of the outer section 12. For example, referring to the dotted outline configuration of the bed spring assembly 11 shown in FIGURE 5, it will be seen that the pivot axes at 18, 58 and 53 may be arranged in a substantially coplanar or linear relationship, as viewed in the figure. Thus, when the outer section 12 is lifted to the vertical to be in alignment with the linkage assemblies 14 and 15, the desired clockwise movement of the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 may be resisted by this linear relationship. To overcome the resistance offered by the linear relationship, the link age assemblies 14 and 15 are adapted to transmit an upward force to the inner section or U-shaped member 13. Upon closing movement, when the outer section 12 is in the vertical position while the inner section 13 and link assemblies 14 and 15 are yet in the horizontal position, the linkage assemblies effect a partial retraction or lifting of the braces 65 so that they will not interfere with the pulling of the inner section 13 and the link assemblies 14 and 15 downwardly into the chair.

To support the braces 65, each arm of the inner U-shaped member 13, adjacent a linkage assembly has a bracket 75 welded thereon and formed with a downwardly depending flange 76. This flange is formed with a bore to receive a headed bolt 77 that also passes through a hole formed adjacent the upper end of the'brace 65. Suitable washers 78 are preferably interposed between the flange 76 and the confronting side of the brace 65. A cross brace 79 at opposite ends is welded to and rigidly interconnects, the pair of arms or braces 65 for co-movement and is provided with a hole to receive the bolt 77, and a nut 80 holds this assembly in place. It will be noted that the pivot axis for the brace 65 is the bolt 77 and is therefore located a fixed distance beneath the member 13.

Movement of the outer section or U-shaped member 12 is transmitted to the pair of braces 65 through the medium of an actuating arm 81 and an idler link arrangement. The actuating arm 81 may comprise an elongated metal strap and at one end is pivotally connected to an adjacent end of one of the arms of the U-shaped member 12. As is shown in FIGURE 9, this connection may take the form of a rivet pin 82 headed at both ends and extending through diametrically opposite holes in the end of the arm of the member 12 and through a hole in the corresponding end of the actuating arm. The relative positions of the pivot bolt 49 and the rivet 82 should be noted, the rivet 82 being closer to the end of the arm of the member 12, in crank-pin relationship to the axis of the bolt 49. A spacer 84 is mounted on the bolt 49 between the wall 42 and the arm of the tubular member 12 to prevent shifting of the member 12 and actuating arm 81.

The other end of the actuating arm 81 is formed with a pair of adjacent slots 85 and 86. The slot 85 is nearest the end of the actuating arm and has its longitudinal axis extending transversely to the arm 81. The other slot 86 is immediately adjacent the slot 85 and extends longitudinally of the arm 81. The same bolt 53 which pivotally interconnects an arm of the inner or U-shaped member 13 and the channel 40 is loosely received within the longitudinally extending slot 86. Another spacer 87 is mounted on the bolt 53, just inwardly of the sidewall 42 of the channel 40, and bears against the confronting side of the actuating arm 81, and also serves to maintain the arm in substantially parallel relationship to the channel 40, along with the previously mentioned spacer 84.

The idler link connection extends between the extreme upper end of the brace 65 and the adjacent end of the actuating arm 81. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, this idler link arrangement takes the form of a pair of short straps 88 arranged on opposite sides of the arm 81 and brace 65. These straps are secured together at one end by a rivet 89 loosely received within the transverse slot 85 of the actuating arm 81. At the other end,

the pair of straps 88 are rigidly interconnected by another rivet 90 that is journalled in a bore formed in the extreme upper end of the arms 65.

Operation of the linkage assembly during closing of the convertible bed can be understood from an examination of FIGURES 7 and 8. Assuming the bed spring assembly 11 to be in horizontal configuration, when the outer section 12 is pulled upwardly it pivots on the bolts 49, the bolt 49 however remaining in the plane of the pivot bolt 38 and bolt 53. As previously stated, the outer section 12 can be moved through an arc of 90 relative to the channel 40, i.e., until it hits the end 47 of the Web of the channel. As the outer section 12 moves through this are of 90, the rivet 82, in crank pin relationship to the bolt 49, pulls the corresponding end of the actuating arm 81, the longitudinal slot 86 permitting longitudinal movement of the arm 81 relative to the channel 40. At the same time, the straps 88 are pulled whereby the pair of braces 65 are pulled into clockwise movement about the axis of the bolt 77. The lower ends of the braces 65, which are equipped with floor engaging rollers 90, are thus lifted clear of the floor and the braces 65 thus will not interfere with the downward pulling of the link assemblies 14 and 15 and the inner member 13, in response to closing movement of the outer section 12 beyond 90.

When the bed spring assembly 11 is in the closed U-shaped configuration shown in dotted outline in FIG- URE 5, the braces 65 are in the inclined position indicated, the rollers 90 bearing against the floor. The lower end of the actuating arm 81 then has one edge abutting the under side of the upper end of the brace 65, the contacting edges being curved and being capable of contact somewhat as is indicated in FIGURE 8. Then, if the outer member 12 is lifted to the vertical position in alignment with the channel 40, this contact between edges of the brace 65 and actuating arm 81 occurs. Upon further opening movement of the outer section 12, the link assemblies 14 and 15 rotate about the axis 16. The brace 65, being already inclined upwardly, then has its upper end pushed upwardly by the adjacent or contacting edge of the lower end of the actuating arm 81, thus providing an upward component of force to lift the end of the inner member 13 adjacent the linkage assembly upwardly. Thus, the pivots at 58 and 53 are urged out of the substantially linear relationship with the pivot at 18. In this connection, the transverse slot 85 in the actuating arm 81 allows the link straps 88 a degree of lost motion to position themselves both for contact of the actuating arm 81 and brace 65, as shown in FIGURE 8, or clearance therebetween, as indicated in FIGURE 7, and in movement from the position of FIGURE 7 to that of FIGURE 8.

In the bed spring assembly 11, support for the mattress is provided by a rectangularly shaped piece of wire mesh 95 that is interconnected to the U-shaped member 13 and 12 and to the linkage assemblies 14 and 15 by a plurality of coil springs 96, each of which engages the border of the mesh and is then connected to the surrounding framework by hooks 97 that'are engaged perforation of the surrounding framework. This arrangement is of course conventional as is also the use of a sheet of fabric 98 such as is shown in FIGURE that is attached to the frame and the outer section 12 so as to lie on top of the outer section 12 when the chair is closed. Then, when the seat cushion 23 is placed. on top of the outer section 12 its material is protected from wearing from the springs and mesh material of the bed spring assembly 11 by the presence of the layer of fabric 98.

In addition to the novel control features provided the linkage arrangement illustrated in FIGURES 7-10, the tubular construction of the inner and outer members and the inverted channel construction of the intermediate member has the additional feature of providing a smooth substantially continuous surface for bedding extending over the mattress supported by the spring assembly. Thus, not only is the spring assembly spaced from the side walls of the box frame, but the bedding itself is prevented from snagging on the members of the spring assembly and the chances of the bedding becoming entwined in the joints of the spring assembly are reduced to minimum.

Moreover, due to the displacement of the lateral pivot axis for the spring assembly, defined by the bolt 49, from the fixed axis 16, when the bed construction of the present invention is folded to form the U-shaped surface it is recessed within the frame. In this position, the bed construction supports the cushion atop the matress at a height for comfortable sitting, the side arms of the frame being disposed above the cushion to provide rest support for the arms of an occupant of the chain. When the bed construction is unfolded, however, it is raised within the frame to a horizontal plane with the axis 16. In this position, the bed construction supports the mattress at a height substantially level with the top of the arm rests of the frame. This has two distinct advantages. First, the bedding covering the mattress of the bed construction is easier to change than the bedding associated with prior bed constructions which are closer to the floor in an unfolded condition. Second, since the top of the mattress is level with the top of the side arms, the side arms do not restrict movement of an occupant of the bed.

This feature also makes it possible toincrease the height of the backrest for design purposes.

While a specific convertible bed construction together with a specific linkage arrangement has been described in detail, it is to be understood that the particular arrangements described are merely illustrative of the present invention, the scope of which is only to be limited by the following claims.

I claim: I t

1. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open frame including a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially .U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate, and outer section, said intermediate section being rigid and having longitudinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis join- 'ing said intermediate and outer sections; and

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side members for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes.

2. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open frame including a front member and a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially fiat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, inter-mediate,

V and outer section, said intermediate section being rigid and having longitudinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis joining said intermediate and outer sections;

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side members near said from member for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes; and

support means pivotally coupled to said inner section and to said frame for rigidly supporting said inner section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially fiat surface.

3. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open frame including a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate, and an outer section, said intermediate section being rigid and having longiudtinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis joining said intermediate and outer sections;

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side members for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes;

a back rest coupled to said outer section for rotation therewith, said back rest being arranged to support said outer section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface;

and support means pivotally coupled to said inner section and to said frame for rigidly supporting said inner section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface.

4. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open frame including a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate, and outer section;

means connecting said intermediate section and said side members for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes;

bracing means pivotally coupled to said inner section adjacent said lateral axes joining said intermediate and inner sections;

and actuating arm means pivotally connected at one end to said bracing means and at an opposite end to said outer section for rotating said bracing means to a support position substantially normal to said inner section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface and for rotating said bracing means from said support position when said outer section is rotated upward from said substantially flat surface.

5. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open, frame including a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate, and outer section, said intermediate section having longitudinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis joining said intermediate and outer sections;

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side members for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes;

support means pivotally coupled to said inner section and to said frame for vertically supporting said inner member when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface;

bracing means pivotally coupled to said inner section adjacent said lateral axis joining said intermediate and inner sections; and

means coupled to including an actuating arm connected between said bracing means and said outer section for rotating said bracing means to a support position plane substantially normal to said inner section when said inner section lies in said horizontal plane and for said bracing means from said support posi- 10 tion as said outer section is rotated upward from said horizontal plane.

6. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open, box-like frame including a front wall and a pair of opposing side walls;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate and an outer section, said intermediate section having longitudinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis joining said intermediate and outer sections, the end of said inner section and the end of said outer section carrying lower and upper portions of a rear Wall for said box frame, said rear wall being formed when said bed spring assembly is folded to form said substantially U-shaped surface in said frame;

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side walls near said front wall for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axes such that said inner section lies within said box frame when said spring assembly is folded to form said U-shaped surface;

spring biased support means coupled to said inner section adjacent said end carrying a portion of said rear wall for urging said inner section upward from within said frame to lie in a substantially horizontal plane with said fixed axis when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface, said support means also providing rigid vertical support from said inner section when said spring assembly forms said substantially flat surface;

bracing means pivotally coupled to said inner section adjacent said lateral axis joining said intermediate and inner sections for rigidly supporting said inner section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially fiat surface;

means coupled to said bracing means and said outer section for rotating said bracing means to a support position substantially normal to said inner section when said inner section lies in said horizontal plane and for rotating said bracing means from said support position as said outer section is rotated upward from said horizontal plane;

and a back rest coupled to said outer section through the upper portion of said rear wall for rotation therewith, said back rest being arranged to support said outer section when said spring assembly is unfolded to form said substantially flat surface.

7. A convertible bed construction comprising:

a generally rectangular open frame including a front member and a pair of opposing side members;

a substantially rectangular bed spring assembly having at least three articulated sections longitudinally foldable along at least two lateral axes from a substantially flat surface to a substantially U-shaped surface, said sections including an inner, intermediate, and an outer section, said intermediate section being rigid and having longitudinal extensions away from said inner section and beyond said lateral axis joining said intermediate and outer sections;

means coupling said longitudinal extensions and said side members near said front member for rotatably mounting said bed spring assembly on a fixed axis substantially parallel to said lateral axis;

and means positioned between said longitudinal extensions and said side members for maintaining a predetermined separation between said spring assembly and said side members.

8. In a convertible bed construction, a spring assembly comprising:

an intermediate member;

a brace member for supporting said inner member in said bed construction;

means coupled to said inner member and pivotally coupling said brace member to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said inner member about a pivot point displaced a fixed distance below a horizontal plane defined by said inner member;

an actuating arm for said brace member, said actuating arm being pivotally coupled to said outer member for movement in a plane substantially parallel to said outer member and about an axis spaced a fixed distance along said outer member from said first lateral axis; and

means pivotally linking the end of said actuating arm remote from said outer member to said brace member above said pivot point for said brace member relative to said horizontal plane when said brace member is substantially normal to said horizontal plane.

9. The apparatus defined by claim 8 wherein said means linking said actuating arm to said brace includes a link member pivotally coupled to said actuating arm near the .end remote from said outer member and pivotally coupled to said brace at a point above said pivot point for said brace relative to said horizontal plane such that an upper side of said actuating arm engages a lower side of said brace adjacent said point of coupling of said link member to said brace when said outer member is substantially coplanar with said intermediate member.

10. The apparatus as defined by claim 8 including means for limiting relative rotation between said intermediate member and said inner and outer members such that said inner and outer members each move from a plane substantially coaxial with said intermediate member to planes substantially normal to said intermediate member.

11. The apparatus defined by claim 8 including means coupled to said intermediate member and engaging said actuating arm for longitudinally guiding said actuating arm in a plane substantially parallel to said intermediate member.

12. In a convertible bed construction, a spring assembly comprising:

an intermediate member;

an outer member coupled to said intermediate member near one end to rotate about a first lateral axis, said intermediate member including a longitudinal extension away from said inner section and beyond said first lateral axis for coupling to a fixed frame of said bed construction;

an inner member coupled to said intermediate member near an opposite end to rotate about. a second lateral axis;

a brace member for supporting said inner member in said bed construction;

means coupled to said inner member and pivotally coupling said. brace member to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said inner member about a pivot point displaced a fixed distance below a horizontal plane defined by said inner member;

an actuating arm for said brace member, said actuating arm being pivotally coupled near one end to said outer member to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said outer member about an axis spaced a fixed distance along said outer member from said first lateral axis and including a longitudinally extending'slot near an end remote from said outer member;

pin means extending from said intermediate member along said second lateral axis and engaging said .slot for longitudinally guiding said actuating arm in a plane substantially parallel to said intermediate member;

and means pivotally linking the end of actuating arm remote from said outer member to said brace member above said pivot point for said brace member relative to said horizontal plane when said brace member is substantially normal to said horizontal plane.

13. The apparatus defined by claim 12 wherein said actuating arm includes a transverse slot between said longitudinally extending a slot and said end remote from said'outer member, and wherein said means pivotally linking said actuating arm to said brace member include a pin means passing through said transverse slot and means pivotally linking said pin means to said brace member above said pivot point for said brace member relative to said horizontal plane.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CONVERTIBLE BED CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING: A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR OPEN FRAME INCLUDING A PAIR OF OPPOSING SIDE MEMBERS; A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR BED SPRING ASSEMBLY HAVING AT LEAST THREE ARTICULATED SECTIONS LONGITUDINALLY FOLDABLE ALONG AT LEAST TWO LATERAL AXES FROM A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT SURFACE TO A SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPED SURFACE, SAID SECTIONS INCLUDING AN INNER, INTERMEDIATE, AND OUTER SECTION, SAID INTERMEDIATE SECTION BEING RIGID AND HAVING LONGITUDINAL EXTENSIONS AWAY FROM SAID INNER SECTION AND BEYOND SAID LATERAL AXIS JOINING SAID INTERMEDIATE AND OUTER SECTIONS; AND MEANS COUPLING SAID LONGITUDINAL EXTENSIONS AND SAID SIDE MEMBERS FOR ROTATABLY MOUNTING SAID BED SPRING ASSEMBLY ON A FIXED AXIS SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO SAID LATERAL AXES. 